Government Test 2

STUDY

PLAY

an organization of people with shared goals that tries to influence public policy through a variety of activities.

values

the broad principles underlying American political culture that citizens support and adhere to.

beliefs

the facts that derive from values that people take for granted about the world.

political orientation

the translation of values and beliefs into a systematic way of assessing the political environment

political socialization

Complex process by which people get their sense of political identity, beliefs, and values. Generally starts at a young age.

importance of public opinion

a)it is regularly used by presidents to justify their policies. b)by political candidates to mount campaigns.c) by interest groups to promote their causes.d)by journalists to describe public preferences. e)by scholars to understand the American government. f) they are the yardstick through which public opinion is understood and evaluated. (polls, etc. also used).

Factors that have a significant impact on an individual's socialization to politics- (Influences include: family, friends and peer groups, schools, mass media, religion.)

pluralism

the theory that public policy largely results from a variety of interest groups competing with one another to promote laws that benefit members of their respective groups.

Power Elite

c. wright mills' term for the top people in u.s. corporations, military, and politics who make the nation's major decisions

James Madison

He was concerned about the potential influence of factions on the government. At the same time, he understood that people were by nature drawn toward the organization of collective interests and the use of it to influence government action. He expected if enough interest groups vied to influence policy, they would cancel each other out.

Iron Triangle

a three-sided network of policy making that includes congressional committees (and subcommittees) in a specific policy area, executive agencies with authority over that area, and private interest groups focused on influencing that area.

Federal Communications Commission

Created by Congress in 1934 to regulate the electronic media (primarily radio and eventually TV) through the licensing of broadcasters and creating rules for broadcasters to follow. It does not ave authority to regulate the print media. Can revoke licenses or fine stations violating its rules.

political party

an organization that seeks to win elections for the purpose of influencing the outputs of government.

critical election

an election that produces sharp changes in patterns of party loyalty among voters. (Often because of an issue).

liberal

a person who favors a political philosophy of progress and reform and the protection of civil liberties. (Social Left/economic left)

Socialist

(Extreme left). Very few people are of this ideology.

Fascist

(Extreme Right). Very few people are openly of this ideology.

Populist

Ideology: Social Right/Economic Left.

Libertarian

Ideology: Social Left/Economic Right.

Conservative

Ideology: Social Right/Economic Right.

social movement

a large informal grouping of individuals and/or organizations focused on specific political or social issues.

dealignment

a decline in voter attachment to parties and in clarity of party coalitions.

battleground state

states identified as offering either major-party candidate a reasonable chance for victory in the Electoral College.

open seat election

General election race in which neither candidate is the incumbent.

incumbent

currently holding an office

power of incumbency

the phenomenon by which incumbent members of Congress running for re-election are returned to office at an extremely high rate.

Pros of interest groups

They provide all groups in society with an opportunity to win support for their ideas and positions. The vast number represents a wide array of political opinions, economic perspectives, and social class differences. Joining groups and working for the interests of the group are natural inclinations and should be encouraged as methods of representation in our democracy. The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution affords individuals the right "peaceably to assemble." An array of diverse groups in society potentially may organize and attempt to influence government. The system is fair in that it gives all groups an equitable opportunity to compete.

Cons of interest groups

Groups supported by the wealthy have greater resources to promote their interests. Large corporations exist to maximize profits, they dominate the interest group system and are ruthless in achieving their goals. The system promotes the advancement of interests that do not always strive for the common good. The amount of activity is so great that it has made it difficult to get things done in government. Too many groups are operating, slowing down the process to a state of gridlock in many areas. Leaders are not elected. They concentrate benefits for the few while distributing costs to the many.

Why people join interest groups

to receive material benefits, purposive benefits (those that benefit society more generally), and solidary benefits based on individuals' satisfaction from interacting with like-minded people in pursuit of a goal.

Why some interest groups are more influential than others

a) size of membershipb) the wealth of the membersc) the dedication of members to the goals of the group.

include providing objective coverage of events, facilitating public debate, and serving as government watchdog.

criticisms of media

a) despite the array of news sources available, most news programming follows a standard format that makes it appear the same to the public.b) the media is a business primarily to make money. News that provides more entertainment attracts larger audience shares. "Sensationalism." c) Election coverage dwells more on stories about candidates' personal background than on positions on issues. d) politically biased.